The Causes and Treatment Methods for Female Infertility
Close up of woman injecting drugs to prepare for IVF treatment
Millions of couples in the United States try to get pregnant each year with no success. While some may conceive, a miscarriage is always a possibility during the first trimester of pregnancy. One-third of the time, most infertility cases are female factors, including ovulation disorders and medical conditions such as endometriosis. Since men may also contribute to infertility, diagnosis for both couples may help determine which fertility medication in Celebration may increase your chances of getting pregnant.
What are the causes of infertility?
1 in 4 couples experience infertility due to ovulation disorders which may cause irregular or the absence of ovulation. Below are some medical conditions that may result in ovulation disorders.
Hypothalamic dysfunction
Hypothalamic dysfunction is a problem with the hypothalamus part of your brain, affecting the production of follicle-stimulating hormone and luteinizing hormone, which stimulates ovulation every month. The most common sign associated with this disorder is irregular or absent periods. Various factors may put you at risk of hypothalamic dysfunction, including physical or emotional stress and a higher or lower than usual body weight.
Polycystic ovary syndrome
This hormonal disorder is the most common cause of female infertility, which causes ovary enlargement and the formation of tiny cysts on the outer parts of your ovary. Polycystic ovary syndrome affects the functionality of your ovaries. Most women with polycystic ovary syndrome exhibit symptoms such as acne and excessive hair growth. This hormonal disorder is associated with obesity and insulin resistance.
Premature ovarian failure
Premature ovarian failure occurs during early menopause or before the age of 40 and results in abnormal functioning of the ovaries. Some women with premature ovarian failure may experience irregular periods as early as during their teenage years. While the causes of this condition remain unknown, premature ovarian failure may be caused by genetic disorders, radiation therapy, and autoimmune diseases such as thyroiditis.
Excess prolactin
Prolactin hormone produced by the pituitary glands facilitates the growth of breasts and milk production during pregnancy. However, too much prolactin causes a reduction in estrogen production and may cause menstrual problems or infertility. Men with excess prolactin may produce milk and experience a low sex drive or erectile dysfunction. Dietary change and managing your stress may help lower high prolactin levels.
What is the treatment for infertility?
Infertility treatment is based on different factors, including the cause, age, and the period of your infertility. If the cause of your infertility is an ovulation disorder, your doctor may prescribe fertility drugs that include:
Gonadotropin medications
Gonadotropin injections stimulate the ovaries to produce multiple eggs during ovulation. Ovidrel and Pregnyl are examples of human chorionic gonadotropin that mature eggs in the ovaries and facilitate their release during ovulation. The primary concern of this medication is conceiving multiples which put one at risk of premature delivery.
Clomiphene citrate
This medication is taken orally, and it causes the pituitary glands to produce more hormones – Follicle Stimulating Hormone and Luteinizing Hormone, which causes ovulation.
Metformin
This type of medication is for women whose cause of infertility is insulin resistance. Metformin increases your chances of ovulation by improving insulin resistance.
For further questions about infertility treatment, consult with your specialist at the Center for Reproductive Medicine.
